After running leaked cables, websites face harassment

December 10, 2010 4:25 PM ET

New York, December 10, 2010--The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns harassment of the Lebanese news website Al-Akhbar after it published U.S. diplomatic cables that were first disclosed by WikiLeaks. The website was hacked this week by unknown attackers, while the Tunisian government blocked domestic access to the site. Saudi officials blocked access to the independent website Elaph, which also published some of the cables.

Tunisian authorities blocked access to Al-Akhbar on
Sunday after it published U.S. cables that depicted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and his government in
an unflattering light, according to news reports. The diplomatic cables,
released by WikiLeaks, described a corrupt and out-of-touch leadership. In the
published cables, U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec wrote that the president and his
administration "have lost touch with the Tunisian people" and that "they tolerate
no advice or criticism, whether domestic or international." The ambassador said
the government increasingly relies on "police for control" and that "corruption
in the inner circle is growing." He said "Tunisians intensely
dislike, even hate, first lady Leila Trabelsi and her family."

The website, the online version of the Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar,was hacked early Thursday
morning, the newspaper said. Readers attempting to access the website were redirected
to other sites, one of which showed pictures of the Saudi royalty. Al-Akhbar, which has been publishing translations
of cables involving a number of Arab leaders, posted one missive that described
extravagant Saudi parties with alcohol and drugs. The cable said the parties were
organized under the patronage of Saudi princes.

Omar Nashabe, a member of the editorial board of Al-Akhbar,
said the newspaper's website was operable again today. "We are still
investigating the matter," he told CPJ. Nashabe said the paper welcomes
different opinions that can be published online or in the print edition, "but destroying
our website will not work." After the website was hacked, the paper immediately
established a substitute website.

On Monday, Saudi authorities blocked access to Elaph,
the popular news website based in London, after it published some of the leaked
cables, according to Al-Quds al-Arabi, a pan-Arab daily also based in
London. Saudi authorities did not provide a reason or any comment. News reports
said the suspension was likely connected with Elaph's publication of the
leaked documents. Elaph could not be reached for a comment.